We May Not See Rory McIlroy Until the Masters

He shot even par across four rounds at TPC Sawgrass, but I think even Rory McIlroy would classify his 16th PLAYERS a success.

Following a withdrawal from the Arnold Palmer Invitational, the biggest storyline entering the week in Ponte Vedra was the defending champion’s back. He eventually made it to Sawgrass on Wednesday afternoon, went through a range session, and began his championship on Thursday afternoon.

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He was clearly rusty after almost a week away from his clubs, but his back is feeling better every day.

“Happy I got through four days, and my body feels good,” McIlroy said after his Sunday 1-under 71. “I feel like my game sort of progressively got a little bit better as the week went on, even though the scores probably didn't reflect it over the weekend. I hit the ball well. I just didn't make anything on the greens.

“Happy to come through four rounds and feel like my body held up well. A couple little things to work on, but overall, not the week that I wanted. Just trying to take the positives.”

McIlroy will head to Augusta National in three weeks to defend his Masters title, but it sounds like we’ll have to wait that long to watch him play next. He hasn’t decided if he’ll add another event to his schedule before the year’s first major championship, says he wants to see how his body responds when he goes back to his full practice and gym schedule.

“We'll see how I feel in practice and at home, and if I get itchy feet at home, maybe add an event at some point,” he said.

Last season, he played in Houston two weeks before the Masters and tied for fifth. If he’s as superstitious as I am, I’d bet we’ll see him back at Memorial Park.